Who I Am

My name is Randy Willcox. I am a guitarist and songwriter currently living in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, NY. Beyond my never-ending pursuit to improve as a guitarist, I thoroughly enjoy writing music of all genres and collaborating with other songwriters. My goal is a nice mix of song writing, studio recording and live gigs. I am open to teaching in the NYC area as I used to teach regularly and find some students quite motivating. I only use high quality, professional equipment to ensure reliable performance and incredible tone. 

It seemed like it took FOREVER from the time I was playing air guitar to Led Zeppelin at 2 1/2 and being enamored by KISS at age 4, to finally getting my first guitar at 11. But from there I never looked back. Although I'm a guitar player whose influences begin with Led Zeppelin and Kiss they quickly carried to progressive bands like Rush, Yes and Pink Floyd into 80's pop, rock and metal. This is where the guitar gods truly emerged bringing Randy Rhoads, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, John Petrucci, Blues Saraceno, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, etc. to my attention. This led to the natural discovery of fusion and the likes of Steve Morse, Mike Stern, Scott Henderson, Shawn Lane, Greg Howe, Ritchie Kotzen and Guthrie Govan. My influences are many and relatively diverse, but all blended nicely to create my own style and sense of phrasing.

In the fall of 2016 I joined Mrs. Smith and The Rage. We play in and around NYC. Check out Mrs. Smith. Steve Vai is a big fan! I'm not kidding!

At the 2018 winter NAMM show, I became an official Chapman Guitars artist. I. Am. Stoked.

I'm currently collaborating with a couple of NYC area songwriters and performers as well as working on my own solo album to serve as a creative outlet and also as a representation of my playing. It's been building up for a long time. It's time to let it all out! Check out the music on the website from my former original band Triadic and keep checking back for updates. And if you are interested in putting my skills to use, feel free to reach out! 

All the best,

Randy